Predicting Sri Lanka’s Playing XI for their first ODI against Australia 

Sri Lanka are set to play Australia in a two-match ODI series starting on Wednesday. Sri Lanka aren’t part of the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament having missed out on qualifications. This will act as a huge motivation factor for the hosts who will want to come out all guns blazing. 

The hosts were recently blanked by the Aussies with 2-0 margin in the recently concluded Test series. Sri Lanka have been doing well in the white-ball formats and their huge ODI series win against India last year shows what a formidable side they are at home. 

Here is the likely Sri Lanka’s Playing XI for the first ODI vs Australia 

Top order:

Pathum Nissanka has been one of Sri Lanka’s best batters in the white-ball format in the last few years. Nissanka is the only ODI double centurion for his national side and can take the attack to the opposition in the powerplay overs. The youngster can also drop anchor and play a long innings if need be. Avishka Fernando on the other hand is a naturally attacking batter who looks to score runs at a quick pace to put the opposition under pressure. 

Middle Order:

Kusal Mendis has taken to the role of a wicketkeeper batter like duck to water. The right-handed batter is seen as a key player for his side while batting at number three. Kamindu Mendis has been struggling in the last few games, but there is no denying the talent he has with the bat and also can bowl well with his ambidextrous variations. Skipper Charith Asalanka is slowly leading the revival of Sri Lankan cricket in white ball format. Asalanka is a dependable batter and off late he has also started to bowl well for his side.  

Lower-order:

Veteran Janith Liyanage is seen as an enforcer in the lower order and will be asked to do the role that Dasun Shanaka was doing for a long time. Wanindu Hasaranga is perhaps one of the most dangerous bowlers in the world with his variations. Hasaranga can also wield the willow and score crucial runs when the need arises. Dunith Wellage has become the toast of Sri Lanka in the white-ball format for his lower order batting and accurate left-arm spin which bags lots of wickets. 

Tailenders:

Veteran leg-spin bowler Jeffrey Vandersay has the ability to destroy any batting unit as seen during his fifer against India last year. Vandersay can also do well with the bat as seen during his fifty against Australia in the second Test. The new ball duties will fall on seamer Asitha Fernando, and Maheesh Theekshana as the duo will look to exert pressure on the Aussie batters. 

Sri Lanka XI vs Australia

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyange, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando. 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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